When the Tatura Lions Club introduced last year’s Carols on the Move, of course there were doubts.
A moving carols event in the Tatura area had never been done. But with outstanding reviews, the rotating event is back on for 2021 with a slight tweak in format.
Taking on the best of both worlds, the moving carols will stop at seven designated locations, ending the night with a final performance to be held at Stuart Mock Place.
Event organiser Angelo Torresan said while restrictions had eased, the stellar feedback the club received from last year’s event called for another crack at it.
“Even though we probably could’ve run it as the traditional Carols by Candlelight event, the feedback from parents across the region was that they preferred the local entity of Carols on the Move and being able to get together with their neighbours,” Mr Torresan said.
“The format is conducive for younger children to be part of the festivities with no fuss for the parents with clothes, bottles of drinks or snacks.
“It’s simply a family short walk down the road with fun, fire engines and sirens, then another short stroll singing and laughing back home.”
The moving musical ensemble will feature several carollers equipped with electrical microphones being towed across the 20km distance around Tatura in a slow-moving vehicle, singing their Christmas hearts away to the community.
Local service vehicles are expected to follow along on the convoy by displaying a show of sirens and lights, with CFA fire engines, Victoria Police, SES and Ambulance Victoria vehicles among the mix.
Mr Torresan, also an electrical engineer, assures the logistics are spot-on in terms of safety and optimal sound.
Vehicles in the convoy are set to blast carols out of the amplifier system, with Mr Torresan’s own Nissan Patrol ferrying the event’s musical director George Ferguson along with his mixer panel.
The convoy is set to start its journey at 4.30pm at Tatura Racecourse, making its way across Tatura before the grand finale concert is set to begin at 7.15pm.
Several local traders will stay open to support the event, catering for the carols-goers with extended hours.
“We have anywhere from 30 to 50 people at each stop, with families popping out with their kids to see what it’s all about,” Mr Torresan said.
“Some people even join along in the convoy which is great, all are welcome. Last year we had two families follow along from start to finish!”
Tatura Lions Club asks each individual and family attending to comply with COVID-safe measures in place for the event.